Thompson Falls, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Thompson Falls, Montana had a total population of 1,500, the 71st largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $46,313, which is 36% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 36% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Thompson Falls Quick Facts
How Thompson Falls Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,568 | 1,500 | -4.3% |
| Median household income | $53,203 | $46,313 | -13.0% |
| Median home value | $182,200 | $266,400 | +46.2% |
How Thompson Falls Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 29 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Thompson Falls Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Other Cities in Sanders County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plains | 1,195 | $25,491 | 31.2% | $248,300 |
| Hot Springs | 557 | $21,300 | 29.2% | $150,900 |
| Heron | 328 | $29,207 | 59.8% | $433,300 |
| Dixon | 281 | $48,333 | 28.5% | $234,400 |
| Trout Creek | 252 | $64,853 | 0.0% | N/A |
| Noxon | 209 | $60,167 | 0.0% | $197,500 |
| Weeksville | 147 | $64,333 | 0.0% | $782,300 |
| Old Agency | 129 | $45,750 | 52.7% | N/A |
| Lonepine | 122 | $31,667 | 19.7% | $375,000 |
| Paradise | 76 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Thompson Falls
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Browning | 1,538 | N/A | $73,000 | 9.3% | 42.2% |
| Seeley Lake | 1,496 | $49,574 | $361,100 | 23.0% | 9.8% |
| Choteau | 1,479 | $51,632 | $206,000 | 30.5% | 5.7% |
| West Yellowstone | 1,474 | $58,839 | $504,300 | 25.1% | 13.1% |
| Bonner-West Riverside | 1,563 | $62,039 | $210,900 | 23.6% | 14.5% |
Population Overview
Thompson Falls is a small community located in Montana, within Sanders County. The total population is 1,500. It ranks as the 71st most populous out of 475 Census-designated places in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Thompson Falls is 48.8 years. This is 21% higher than the state median of 40.4 years. 13.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Thompson Falls is $46,313. This is 36% lower than the state median of $72,509. It is also 43% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 6.5%. This is 44% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The survey records no unemployed residents in Thompson Falls, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $266,400. Housing costs are 29% lower than the state median of $375,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x. 73.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 69.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Thompson Falls has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.4% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.3%.
Education
18.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% lower than the state rate of 35.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Thompson Falls, Montana is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Montana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 475 Census-designated places in Montana. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Thompson Falls, Montana?
Thompson Falls, Montana has a population of 1,500 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Thompson Falls, MT?
The median household income in Thompson Falls is $46,313, which is 43% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Thompson Falls, MT?
The poverty rate in Thompson Falls is 6.5%. This means approximately 95 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Thompson Falls, Montana?
Thompson Falls's population is 86.4% White, 0.5% Black, 4.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Thompson Falls, MT?
The median home value in Thompson Falls is $266,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x.
How educated is Thompson Falls, Montana?
18.6% of adults (25+) in Thompson Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.